Latvian Citizenship for Founders

Naturalization

Naturalization in Latvia is handled by the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs. Applicants must be at least 15 years old, prove five years of residence in Latvia counted from obtaining a permanent residence permit or permanent status, show a legal source of income and pay the state fee. They sit a Latvian language test and a test on the national anthem, the basics of Latvian history and culture and the principles of the Satversme, the Latvian Constitution. Each test may be taken up to three times. People with certain criminal convictions, links to terrorism or anti-state activity, or unpaid state obligations cannot naturalize.

Residence period

5 years after permanent residence status

Tests

Latvian language; anthem, history, culture and Satversme

Minimum age

15

Retakes

Up to 3 attempts per test

Dual citizenship

Only with EU, EFTA, NATO, Australia, Brazil or New Zealand

Requirements

• Age 15 or older.
• Five years of residence counted from receipt of permanent residence or long-term resident status.
• Passed tests in Latvian and on the anthem, history, culture and constitutional principles.
• A legal source of income and payment of the state fee.
• Renunciation of any citizenship that is not on the permitted list.
• No disqualifying convictions, anti-state activity or unpaid state obligations.

How to apply

1. Reach five years of residence after obtaining permanent status.
2. Apply to OCMA for naturalization and pay the state fee.
3. Pass the Latvian language test and the test on the anthem, history, culture and the Satversme.
4. Provide proof of renouncing a non-permitted citizenship where this applies.